Does no one worry about the high pH of shampoo soap bars? I mean in some cases it goes up to 10-11...higher than baking soda. I used Bobeam for a few weeks but stopped after realizing...I just wonder how this seems to be a non issue?

Most people do an ACV rinse after they use a bar to cleanse. I used to do that all of the time. I figured out that my products have the right pH, so if I'm using a rinse out after the soap bar, the pH of my hair should be restored.

I'm pretty much torn on shampoo bars. I have read plenty on how baking soda (which I also liked) isn't healthy because of it's high pH of 9ish. Even when followed by ACV, it's not a good ride for our cuticles. Apparently they don't like being subjected to regular rollercoasters...lol.

I just can't help but wonder how much worse shampoo bars are if they're up there with mild relaxers in pH. Granted my hair didn't seem to mind either baking soda or shampoo bars, but I don't want to do things just because it seems to not react negatively immediately. People say to just do what the hair likes but...that's kinda like giving your child a tub of icecream for breakfast, lunch and dinner because he likes it and there are no immediate repercussions. I'm really quite torn.

I'm going to start using shampoo bars regularly. What's wrong with them? o_O I tried one so far and I like it

Originally Posted by sKorpio1190

Nothing is wrong with them. I'm wondering about the saponification process (sodium hydroxide + triglycerides) and how that results in a very alkaline product.

People say to just do what the hair likes but...that's kinda like giving your child a tub of icecream for breakfast, lunch and dinner because he likes it and there are no immediate repercussions.

Originally Posted by RizosMio

Oh, we're not supposed to do that?

Like so much of this hair psychology, what works for one person might be an epic fail for someone else. Shampoo bars are definitely not for everyone! But there's a wide variety to choose from, so I'd suggest you experiment before throwing in the towel. I like Chagrin Valley, but I'm also getting good results with Seed bars. I'm also eyeing the Karen's Body Beautiful Juicy Bar, if it ever goes on sale.

I've used them consistently since 9/08 with no issues. Of course, I get my hair cut every six weeks. Don't know if that makes a difference.

BTW, my hair HATES baking soda. I can't even use 1/4 t in a hair "recipe." Makes it feel "hard and dry."

Originally Posted by kathymack

9/08 as in September 2008? If so...oh wow. And all's good? Although you cutting your hair often makes me go "ohh...." I've had a thought that short hair is more cooperative hair. The hair doesn't stick around too long to become sensitive to X and is easier maintained healthy. Maybe the answer to all issues and concerns lies in having short hair

I do find interesting that your hair dislikes baking soda but not soaps. BS can be quite abrasive as it's a salt though, so maybe that bothered you more than its pH. My hair is very coarse though...it'll wink and flirt with anything that isn't a penetrating protein.

[Oh, we're not supposed to do that?

Like so much of this hair psychology, what works for one person might be an epic fail for someone else. Shampoo bars are definitely not for everyone! But there's a wide variety to choose from, so I'd suggest you experiment before throwing in the towel. I like Chagrin Valley, but I'm also getting good results with Seed bars. I'm also eyeing the Karen's Body Beautiful Juicy Bar, if it ever goes on sale.

Originally Posted by yossarian

But all shampoo bars are made with something very alkine + fatty acids, no? So while the oils may differ, they all will have a high pH? Oy...I need find me someone who makes soaps.

I'm not a soap-maker myself, but my good friend Andrea is - and she's also a chemist. This is her blog, and she has tons of entries about soap, hair care, baking soda, ACV, and so on (check the tags to the right). She's also extremely "reachable" if you leave a comment on her blog.

9/08 as in September 2008? If so...oh wow. And all's good? Although you cutting your hair often makes me go "ohh...." I've had a thought that short hair is more cooperative hair. The hair doesn't stick around too long to become sensitive to X and is easier maintained healthy. Maybe the answer to all issues and concerns lies in having short hair

I do find interesting that your hair dislikes baking soda but not soaps. BS can be quite abrasive as it's a salt though, so maybe that bothered you more than its pH. My hair is very coarse though...it'll wink and flirt with anything that isn't a penetrating protein.

But all shampoo bars are made with something very alkine + fatty acids, no? So while the oils may differ, they all will have a high pH? Oy...I need find me someone who makes soaps.

Originally Posted by RizosMio

Soap/shampoo bars were really popular on nc.com summer of 2008. It took me a long time to try the free one I got with my henna order. After that, I never looked back (well, the CV bar would have made me quit, if I hadn't used the other one first. But that's another story.) All of the sudden, people who supported the soap bar use, changed their opinions. I've used them for almost 5 1/2 years with no problems. I've also gotten a lot of my friends and family on them.

Just tested the bar I'm currently using, it's 8. Which isn't hair pH, but is lower then 9.

I'm not a soap-maker myself, but my good friend Andrea is - and she's also a chemist. This is her blog, and she has tons of entries about soap, hair care, baking soda, ACV, and so on (check the tags to the right). She's also extremely "reachable" if you leave a comment on her blog.